Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

SHOWTIME: Gypsy with Lizzie Matjacic and Mark Monroe

🎭 Gypsy 📍The Round, Nunawading 🗓️ 11 to 20 October 🎟️ babirra.org.au The jewel of Broadway's Golden Age, Gypsy boasts an incomparable score, a brilliantly conceived book, and one of the greatest leading roles ever to grace the Broadway stage. Regarded by many theatre professionals as the finest musical ever created, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters' success - while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents' landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://andrewg.com.au Lizzie Matjacic Lizzie is excited and thrilled to take on the incredible role of Mama Rose in tonight’s performance, a role that has been on her wish list for a long time! Lizzie 's most recent stage roles include Ruth in Calendar Girls with Phoenix, Glory in Almost Maine with Eltham Little Theatre, and Dotty/Mrs. Clackett in Noises Off with Windmill Theatre Company. She was also delighted to play Donna in Mamma Mia with Babirra and Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting with Fab Nobs Theatre in 2022. Lizzie's favourite roles span a diverse range of productions over 30 years in theatre, including Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast (Windmill Theatre Company), Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Diana Goodman in Next to Normal, Drowsy in The Drowsy Chaperone, The Witch in Into the Woods (Fab Nobs Theatre), and Muzzy van Hossmere in Thorougly Modern Millie (Babirra). In addition to her extensive stage work, Lizzie has written and performed in two one-woman cabarets: Heartaches, Hang-Ups and Headcases: A Psychologist’s Cabaret and From Here to Maternity. She also co-wrote and performed in Broadway for Life, a concert fundraiser for the Cancer Council, which earned a Lyrebird award in 2016.
Mark Monroe Mark boasts nearly four decades of experience in performance, direction, and choreography, with a resume spanning theatre, film, television, music videos, and fashion shows. He sailed the world performing on AIDA das Clubschiff based in Germany, appearing in multilingual musicals and cabaret shows under esteemed mentors from the Hamburg School of Entertainment. In June, Mark portrayed Bernadette in Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert with Babirra, reprising this role from CentreStage Geelong last year. Other music theatre highlights include Henry Higgins - My Fair Lady, Billy Flynn - Chicago, and Thenardier - Les Miserables (NOVA), Caratacus Potts - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (CentreStage), Lord Farquaad - Shrek (WAT), Leo Bloom - The Producers (ACT) & Frank 'n Furter - Rocky Horror (EKC). He also directed and choreographed High School Musical, Hansel & Gretel, and Robin the Hood (ACT), earning a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nomination for his choreography of Grease. Mark's achievements extend offstage, with appearances on Neighbours and Big Girls Blouse, as well as being crowned the 1989 Prince of Moomba.

SHOWTIME: Iphigenia In Splott with Jessica Clarke

🎭 Iphigenia In Splott 📍Red Stitch, St Kilda 🗓️ Must close 22 September 🎟️ https://www.redstitch.net/iphigenia-in-splott-2024 Iphigenia In Splott is a powerful new adaptation of the enduring Greek myth drives home the high price people pay for society's shortcomings. Bringing it back to the stage for those who missed it, this is a second chance to see the “visceral tour de force” (The Age) that is Jessica Clarke in her returning role and witness Melbourne theatre at its best. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://andrewg.com.auJessica Clarke is an award winning Australian actress whose career spans stage, screen and voice work. Jessica has previously worked with Red Stitch on Iphigenia In Splott, Shhhh, Caught, The Cane, Pomona and Rules For Living. Other theatre credits include Macbeth (An Undoing) for Malthouse Theatre, Therese Raquin (Critical Stages/Dirty Pretty Theatre), Please Continue, Hamlet (Melbourne International Arts Festival), Good, Die Young (Sydney Fringe Festival), Starchaser (Arena Theatre Company), Waltzing The Wilarra (Yirra Yaakin), Heaven (La Mama) and more. Feature film credits include The Menkoff Method, The Moon And The Sun and 2:22. Television credits include The Beautiful Lie (ABC), Home And Away (Network7), Harrow (ABC), Neighbours (Network Ten), Offspring (Network Ten), Sisters (Network Ten), The Doctor Blake Mysteries (ABC), Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC), Blue Heelers (Network 7) and more. Jessica won Most Outstanding Performance (Theatre Companies) for Iphigenia In Splott at the 2021 Green Room Awards, and was nominated for Best Ensemble for Pomona at the 2019 Green Room Awards.

SHOWTIME_ The Father with Damian Jones

🎭 The Father 📍Williamstown Little Theatre 🗓️ 4 to 21 September 🎟️ wlt.org.au Christopher Hampton’s translation of Florian Zeller’s masterpiece provides an intimate glimpse into the disorienting world of André, an elderly man grappling with dementia. Set in his Paris apartment, the play artfully blurs the lines between reality and confusion, inviting us to experience the world through André's eyes. The play is a powerful exploration of the impact of dementia on identity and relationships, taking a profound and sometimes disconcerting journey into the human mind's fragility. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://andrewg.com.au
Damian Jones makes a welcome return to the WLT stage having last been seen as Leo Bailey in Mr Bailey’s Minder in 2018. An acting veteran with over 30 years experience, Damian’s recent roles include Max in Last Cab to Darwin (Sherbrooke), George in Life After George (Peridot) and Fire Chief in The Guys (1812 Theatre). In recent times Damian has focused more on directing, with recent productions at Malvern, Mordialloc, Peridot, Encore and Sherbrooke. However, the role of André was an irresistible challenge and we are delighted to see him back on the WLT stage.

SHOWTIME: A Chorus Line with Madeline Pratt

A Chorus Line is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include What I Did for Love, One, I Can Do That, At the Ballet, The Music and the Mirror, and I Hope I Get It. A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama. 🎭 A CHORUS LINE 📍National Theatre, St Kilda 🗓️ 7 to 22 September 🎟️ https://theatrical.com.au/tickets After years of extensive dance training, Madeline moved to Ballarat for her studies in Music Theatre at Federation University; graduating 2017 and recently studied at The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts on a Music Theatre scholarship. Some credits include; Maureen - RENT, Heather Duke/Dance Captain - HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL, Val - A CHORUS LINE, Velma Kelly - CHICAGO, Marcy - DOGFIGHT, Warner Bro's THE MASKED SINGER and original Melbourne cast member of A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS. Madeline also works for companies such as Fresh Creative Entertainment and The Entertainment Store where she has performed shows at Carols By Candlelight, Aus Open and much more. She has choreographed numerous productions such as STRANGER SINGS, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, WICKED and LEGALLY BLONDE as well as assisting workshops for the new Australian musical PAPER STARS with Salty Theatre's Hatch Lab. They have also created various new works including their physical theatre/dance production MOMENTS and their current roving burlesque comedy UNDRESS ME, I'M YOURS. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://thetheatre.au

SHOWTIME: A Chorus Line with Julian Dods

A Chorus Line is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include What I Did for Love, One, I Can Do That, At the Ballet, The Music and the Mirror, and I Hope I Get It. A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama. 🎭 A CHORUS LINE 📍National Theatre, St Kilda 🗓️ 7 to 22 September 🎟️ https://theatrical.com.au/tickets Julian Dods began their musical journey with the National Boys Choir, where he honed his vocal skills and developed a deep passion for performing. Their training led them to perform with Opera Australia in notable productions such as La Boheme in 2011 and The Magic Flute in 2012. Julian continued their love of performance, participating in several Starbound performances with Launchpad Drama. Julian is thrilled to be working with Theatrical to help bring this incredible show to life. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://andrewg.com.au

SHOWTIME: Little Women Anna Bearsley and Alan Burrows

🎭 LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL 📍Malvern Theatre 🗓️ 23 August to 7 September 📍Lillydale Athenaeum Theatre 🗓️ 14 to 30 November 🎟️ malverntheatre.com.au & lilydaleatc.com LITTLE WOMEN Little Women has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. The original production starred the unparalleled Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations for her performance. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. 🎭 🎭 For What’s On Stage in Melbourne visit https://andrewg.com.au Anna Bearsley - Jo March Anna is thrilled to be making her debut at Malvern Theatre Company. Her previous roles include ‘Alice’ in Alice by Heart, ‘Heidi’ in Title of Show, ‘Julie’ in Così, ‘Janet’ in The Drowsy Chaperone and ‘Smee’ in Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, which earned her a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nomination. Alan Burrows - Director Alan has worked for over 50 years in all facets of theatre. This is his twelfth production with Malvern Theatre Company, his last show being A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in 2022. A multiple award winner, Alan has received awards from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for 1776, the Victorian Drama League for Educating Rita, Noises Off and Bette and Joan and from the Lyrebird Awards for Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.

SHOWTIME: KIss Me Kate with Denique Adlam GSOV

I catch up with Denique Adlam, Choreographer for the
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria production of Kiss Me Kate
 
Kiss Me, Kate is the Tony Award winning musical comedy that reinvigorated American composer and songwriter Cole Porter’s career with its ridiculous Shakespearean antics and a score of witty, hummable hits.
 
A play within a play, where passions run high as leading lady, Lilli Vanessi, and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham, clash onstage and off in a musical production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. On opening night, the rekindling of their affection is complicated by misguided flirtations and romantic discord, gambling debts, singing gangsters, and other enjoyable backstage shenanigans.
 
📍Ian Potter Centre for the Arts (Alexander Theatre)
🗓️ 2 to 5 May
🎟️ https://gsov.org.au/kiss-me-kate
 
For all the latest news on What’s on Stage visit thetheatre.au

SHOWTIME: The Exact Dimensions of Hell by Bridget Mackey

Bridget Mackey’s The Exact Dimensions of Hell is an unflinching examination of the desires of young women, and a ritual to eviscerate the forces that seek to control them. Starring electrifying performer Matilda Gibbs alongside internationally acclaimed theatre-maker Daniel Schlusser, The Exact Dimensions of Hell demands a new narrative of gender, agency, and power. 📍fortyfive downstairs🗓️ 18 to 28 April🎟️ https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/the-exact-dimensions-of-hell/ Read TheTheatre review: https://thetheatre.au/review/the-exact-dimensions-of-hell/ For all the latest news on What’s on Stage visit thetheatre.au Performers: Daniel Schlusser and Matilda Gibbs Writer: Bridget Mackey Director: Alice Darling Visual Designer: Meg Wilson Sound Designer and Composer: Sidney Millar Dramaturg: Emilie Collyer Producer: Nicole La Bianca Stage Manager/Production Manager: Caitlin Duff Intimacy Coordinator: Bayley Turner Choreographer: Alice Dixon This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants. warnings: This production features content addressing sexual violence involving a minor, including simulations of such acts. People with disabilities and sensitivities are additionally advised that the production elements include haze and bright, flashing lights. If you become distressed we recommend contacting: Bravehearts Adult Survivors Support Hotline 1800 272 831 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 Lifeline 13 11 14

SHOWTIME: Scott Hoatson and Brendan Murphy on Potted Potter Australian Tour

Scott Hoatson and Brendan Murphy join me to chat about POTTED POTTER, the critically acclaimed parody stage show that condenses all seven Harry Potter books into a 70-minute show. Created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, it features comedic reenactments, audience participation, and incredibly funny interpretations of that famous wizarding world. Potted Potter has toured the world and has just started its FIFTH tour of Australia. 📍Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne 🗓️ 24 April to 5 May 🎟️ https://pottedpotter.com.au
 
Scott Hoatson Scott trained as an actor at QMC in Edinburgh, Scotland. His recent theatre credits include: Henry V, The Tempest (Shakespeare’s Rose), Potted Potter (US, Canada and Australasia), Out Of This World (DTP), The Man Who Followed His Legs (Wee Stories), Woman In Mind (Birmingham/Dundee Rep), The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Royal Lyceum), The Wall, The Chooky Brae (Borderline), Recovery Position, Self Contained, Oedipus (National Theatre Scotland), Kidnapped, A Christmas Carol (Cumbernauld Theatre), Aladdin (Brunton). Recent screen and radio: Outlander (Starz), Bluestone42, Case Histories, The Leaving of Barra, Secrets and Lattes, The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (BBC), Taggart (ITV), The Wicker Tree (Tressrock Films), MacMillans Marvellous Motion Machine and Idle Hands (BBC Radio 4), Sybil Law (BBC Radio Scotland). Scott can also be heard as the voice of BBC TV in the UK, making continuity announcements across its major channels.
 
Brendan Murphy
Brendan is an actor, writer and voice-over artist. He has written and performed two critically acclaimed shows: FRIEND (The One With Gunther) which won Best Play at the World Wide Comedy Awards, has played in North America and Adelaide Fringe and toured the UK. Buffy Revamped won multiple awards at Edinburgh Fringe before visiting Adelaide Fringe and playing a Christmas season in Toronto alongside multiple UK tours. An experienced improviser, Brendan is a member of BBC Radio One's BattleActs! and a guest player for Second City and Monkey Toast. Regularly performing in Potted Potter, he has toured extensively across the US and Canada including a residency at Bally's, Las Vegas, which won Best New Show in the Best Of Las Vegas Awards. He is co-creator of the ARIA award-nominated satirical comedy podcastNonCensoredwith Rosie Holt. Other writing credits include The Mawaan & Emily Show (BBC Asian Network), SO! Beano (Sky Kids) and Comedians In Quarantine (Comedy Central) with co-writer Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Rest of Australia Tour Dates SYDNEY: Seymour Centre 12 - 21 April ADELAIDE: Adelaide Festival Centre 10 - 12 May PERTH: State Theatre Centre 23 - 26May